Speed Option

Coach Littell,

We are a flexbone team.

We run the speed option with a "lead" and a "load" concept.
LEAD to us means that we will block or read the FORCE player (usually with a running back).
LOAD to us means that we will block or read the FILL player (who is responsible for QB). That player is typically the #2 defender (2nd defender on or outside the PST).

Up front we will use either a "veer" or "base" blocking scheme.
BASE means the PSG and PST will block "gap, on, backer" while the C, BSG and BST scoop the PS gap.
VEER means "base" for everyone except the PST who will block the first defender inside (gap, down, backer).

For the QB, #1 is the pitch key if we use the "veer" scheme; #2 is the pitch key if we use the "base" scheme.

Our typical perimeter scheme has the PSHB (slot) walling off the 1st LB on or inside, PSWR releasing outside to block the deep outside 1/3 defender and the RB (FB) blocks the force player.

One of our concerns about speed option is ILB getting out to the perimeter. Since there is no dive fake to hold them inside, they are free to run outside and press the football from inside-out. For this reason, we prefer speed option in short yardage and/or goal line situations (since ILBs are so fired up about stopping the inside run, we find it easier to block them without a dive fake).

QB mechanics are to step back from the LOS and square shoulders at the pitch key, attacking him in a downhill fashion. Usually, the pitch key will be VERY aggressive in attacking the QB, so the QB should be ready to pitch at any time. More importantly, the BSHB (slot), who is in orbit motion and is the pitchback, must be ready to receive the pitch at any time.

kc

coach nicholson,

good idea on the QB reversing out. any problems with the pitch key fast playing the QB?

also, could you break down the footwork for me?

kc

coach nicholson,

got it...very interesting. what is your backfield action?

kc

coach nicholson,

So, its a counter option. I see. Sometimes it takes me a while. We run a similar play out of the flexbone. We block it as a gap scheme up front and we pull the BSG. He logs the EMLOS and we pitch off #2 or the force player (depending on perimeter scheme and defense). How do you block it?

kc

kc,
Yea its a counter option. My original point was that having your QB reverse out can freeze the LB's. We did that on the counter option I have described and im sure it would work great on speed option as well. We scoop on the backside and combo away on the front side while leaving the EMLOS unblocked unless he is aligned inside our TE. In this case our TE would execute a down block on the DE and we would read the next defender for pitch.

Marauder8,
I actually forgot about that play until I read your post. We dont run flexbone but that play is a thing of beauty when Navy runs it.

Coach,
We ran the counter option you are speaking about two years ago when were an under center option team and we would cut the end and it was legal according to the rules of the free blocking zone 2-17-1. Our offensive tackle would align within 4 yards of the ball bringing him and a defensive end in the free blocking zone, thus you can block below the waist with the pulling guard as long as the DE does not widen more than 4 yards from the ball or get upfield more than 3 yards (he shouldn't widen or go upfield if he is reacting to the veer release of the OT, as normally he would squeeze). The free blocking zone does not disintegrate until the ball leaves the zone. The QB faking to the fullback then reversing direction and attacking the opposite side should all take place within the free blocking zone, thus making a cut by the pulling guard legal. Another important part of this play is to put the slot, who ends up blocking, in twril motion (the non motioning slot must sprint to get in pitch relationship. Before the game I would explain the play to the officials and told them we planned to cut the end...at first they would say it was illegal but after the explanation they would agree. This and the old Delaware Sally blocking scheme were the two best misdirection plays we had off our veer option series. Most high school option teams we see do not run enough mmisdirection. We probably are going back to this next year as we ran veer from shotgun the past two years due to the fact that we had two good throwers. We are in PA so we are governed by Federation rules that don't allow cutting.